Enbridge Gas Prepared to Play a Significant Role in Ontario's Lower-Carbon Future

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 26, 2016) - Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. (Enbridge) recognizes the Ontario government for its leadership on climate change and is poised to help customers transition to a more sustainable future.

"Natural gas has already helped Ontario move off coal-fired electricity and will continue to play an important role in reducing the province's greenhouse gas emissions," says Jamie Milner, Vice President, Market Development and Customer Care at Enbridge.

"What's critical is that the proceeds collected from our customers are reinvested back into initiatives that benefit them," Milner added. "The new home retrofit program announced earlier this month is a great example - the proposed 37,000 energy retrofits through Ontario's Green Investment Fund would reduce emissions and save homeowners money."

However, energy efficiency is not the only natural gas solution available. An area with great potential is renewable natural gas (RNG), which involves capturing and cleaning up naturally-forming gas byproducts from agricultural waste, landfill sites and wastewater plants that would otherwise enter the atmosphere.

Milner says that California, Quebec and British Columbia - as well as other jurisdictions - have already implemented RNG programs. "We want to see the Ontario government help us start that transition in the forthcoming climate change action plan."

Other initiatives where cap and trade proceeds should be directed include: natural gas for transportation, combined heat and power, power-to-gas, and innovation.

Enbridge recognizes that a price on carbon will help transition Ontario to a lower-carbon future. "It's important that we manage the move to a more sustainable future with the economic realities our customers face on a day-to-day basis. The best way to do that is to reinvest in these initiatives."

When the cap and trade regulations are finalized, Enbridge will inform customers on the anticipated bill impact, as well as how they can reduce their carbon footprint, and energy costs.

About Enbridge Gas Distribution

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. has a more than 165-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution. Enbridge has ranked as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations for the past seven years and was also named as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2015. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to over two million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick.